* * * * * * * * * * * * * * MicroProse Newletter * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spring 1992, Volume 2, Number 1
Editor: Jack Kammer
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"We'll be in your future"
MicroProse entering New Markets Strategy:
- Fantasy - NES(r) - SuperNES(r) - Sega(r) and more!
I'm not into this to be a little company," says MicroProse president Bill
Stealey. "I'm here to be big and permanent."
Indeed, Major Bill has major plans. As an article in Computer Digest
December 1991 put it, "After spending the last decade helping set the standard
for realistic combat simulation games for personal computers, MicroProse
Software Inc. of Hunt Valley is ready to break out into the bigger markets of
role playing games, strategic games, and even Nintendo." Thanks to a recent
contract we can now add Sega too.
Does that mean MicroProse is going to de-emphasize its core product
line--simulations for PCs? Not according to Stealey. "Our first love--my first
love--is and always will be computer simulations," Stealey says. "And to make
sure we keep doing them as well as we always have, we're making ourselves
stronger by taking a few bites out of other niches. It takes a lot of
resources to develop games like F-117A(tm) and Gunship 2000(tm), and we're
making sure we will always have them."
* Strategy games
Even though Stealey has an admitted bias for "real, hard-core
simulations," another reason he is looking beyond them is that MicroProse
co-founder Sid Meier, who legitimized simulations with F-15 Strike Eagle(r),
is developing other facets of his evident genius for computer gaming.
While on vacation two years ago, Meier hatched an idea for a "god game," a
"creation simulation" that went on to become Railroad Tycoon and earn Strategy
Game of the Year honors from the Software Publishers Association. In late
1991, he released another game that emphasizes strategy and shrewdness,
Civilization(tm), in which the player starts with a nomadic tribe and builds a
nation.
Sid isn't talking much--he never does--but insiders expect another
strategic innovation by early 1993.
* Role Playing games
The role playing market is larger than the simulation market, and Bill
Stealey wants a piece of it. The first role playing game from MicroProse is
due for a Spring 1992 release. Titled Darklands, the game is set in the
turbulence and superstition of 15th Century Germany. It will help MicroProse
expand the ranks of its loyal, nearly fanatical fans.
* 8-bit Nintendo(r)
In early 1990, MicroProse enthusiasts were promised the freedom to play
some of their favorite games even without a computer. That's when MicroProse
signed agreements to license Pirates!(r) and Silent Service(r) to Konami for
the Nintendo Entertainment System platform.
In early 1992 MicroProse released F-15 Strike Eagle for Nintendo. Stealey
is confident that console players will recognize and appreciate the quantum
leap in realism that his title provides.
A four-person team at MicroProse worked for more than two years to convert
F-15 Strike Eagle to the Nintendo. That group of programmers and artists
gained valuable experience which it intends to use in future Nintendo projects.
* Nintendo SuperNES(r)
The 16-bit SuperNES, with its impressive sound and graphics capabilities,
promises to be a potent platform for MicroProse products. SuperNES versions of
Railroad Tycoon and F-15 Super Strike Eagle are slated for Fall 1992 releases.
* Sega Genesis(r)
In early January 1992, MicroProse and Sega Enterprises, Ltd. agreed to
produce and market MicroProse titles for the Sega Genesis, an impressive
16-bit platform which is especially popular in Europe. At press time, the
titles of the games to be converted to the Sega Genesis machine had not been
determined.
** The word from Major Bill
"Serving non-computer, non-simulation markets," Bill Stealey says
facetiously, "will keep us a leader in real simulations for real computers.
That's what I really love. But," he smiles, "I must admit that Darklands is
looking awfully interesting."
The first realistic fantasy role playing game
* Darklands(tm)
Darklands, an adventure in medieval Germany, is being designed by Arnold
Hendrick, the creator of M1 Tank Platoon(tm), the MicroProse simulation of
battle tanks. We mention that because readers of this newsletter are more
likely to be simulation fans than devotees of role playing. If you think a
hard-nosed warrior like you could never assume a fictional persona or lose
himself in make-believe, think again. Whether you don a suit of armor in
Germany in 1452 or a flight suit in Saudi Arabia in 1992, you're into fantasy.
The only question is how much hardware do you need.
Darklands is set in a real time and place. The problems you face come
straight from the history of medieval Germany. The fantasy is that whatever
people of the time believed in--alchemy, miracles, witches--is treated in the
game as if it's really true.
Darklands will be available in the spring of 1992. Give it a try because
you're sure to love it!
Remember: it is not by high-tech alone that a warrior lives.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Coming Attractions = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
* MicroProse
A.T.A.C.(tm): Advanced Tactical Air Command. Player controls four F-22
fighters, two copters and 250 agents in a war on drug cartels. 3-D images of
drug plantations, factories, headquarters, warehouses, roads, guerrilla camps
and more. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles; Commodore Amiga. Summer 1992.
B-17 Flying Fortress(tm): Player flies WW II missions over Europe. Ten
crew members handle specific tasks such as navigating, carrying out bombing
runs and reacting to damage. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles (spring of 1992) and
Commodore Amiga (summer of 1992).
Darklands(tm): unprecedented role-playing in medieval Germany.
For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. Spring 1992.
F-22(tm): The first flight simulation with our new high performance 3-D
graphics, F-22 includes VCR-style replay, digitized speech, helmet-controlled
weapons, BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat, supercruise for more efficient
flights and advanced flight planning for effective strategies. For 386
IBM-PCs. Spring 1993.
Greens(tm): For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. Spring 1992.
See Recent Releases Section.
World Circuit(tm): the only racing simulation to offer all 16 championship
Formula One circuits. Features joystick-controllable gears, realistic
slipstreaming, adjustable car characteristics and radio communication with the
pit crew. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles; Commodore Amiga. Spring 1992.
* MicroPlay
Global Conquest(tm): from the creator of Command HQ. Has the strategy and
action of CHQ, but stresses exploration and interaction. Ally with, betray and
conquer friends via modem. Real time turn structure options. For
IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. Spring 1992.
Flames of Freedom(tm): for IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. Spring 1992.
See Recent Releases Section.
Sea Rogue(tm): undersea role-playing treasure hunt for 270 actual
shipwrecks. The ultimate hunt is for modern wrecks like the Titanic and the
Bismarck. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. Spring 1992.
* Paragon
Mantis: XF5700 Experimental Space Fighter: Uses Paragon's cinematic
special effects, digitized photos and 3-D plus bit-mapped images for extra
realism in a battle against alien insects. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles;
Commodore Amiga. Spring 1992.
MegaTraveller 3: The Unknown Worlds(tm): Enhanced PAL system gives
non-player characters even more individuality. Three scenarios: pursuit &
rescue, mysterious quest, and classic science fiction. Random generator
assures adventures are never the same. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. Summer,
1992.
Spellbound: Challenge of the Five Realms(tm): an original fantasy
adventure from the designer of MegaTraveller. Animation with cinematic scene
transitions, mood-setting music and extensive sound effects. Enhanced PAL
system allows characters to take even more initiative in tasks they can
handle. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. Summer 1992.
And don't miss these
------- RECENT RELEASES ------
* MicroProse
Civilization(tm): a candidate for Software Publishers Association Strategy
Game of the Year. From award winning designer Sid Meier. Create and nurture
human societies from nomadic aimlessness through space age explorations.
Compete for survival and primacy against civilizations controlled by
historical greats such as Charlemagne and Genghis Khan. For
IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles; Ad Lib, Roland, Tandy sound; EGA, VGA/MCGA, Tandy
graphics.
F-117A Stealth Fighter(tm): the sequel to the award-winning F-19 Stealth
Fighter. Includes two versions of the radar-elusive craft--one based on the
actual Lockheed plane, the other a souped-up version more suited to
dogfighting. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. EGA, VGA. Supports AdLib, Roland
and SoundBlaster.
Greens(tm): "the most expansive golf simulation on the market." Six
courses, full handicapping. Ten game types: singles to 72-hole tournaments.
Right- or left-handed swing. Isometric maps of each hole. Shows flight of ball
from six camera angles. For Commodore Amiga.
Gunship 2000(tm): a candidate for Software Publishers Association
Simulation of the Year. Command a full squadron of seven advanced helicopter
types; use up to five craft at once. Topographical 3-D generates terrain with
depressions as well as elevations for ultra-realistic low-altitude flight. For
IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. EGA, MCGA/VGA. Supports AdLib and Roland sound.
Hyperspeed(tm): the sequel to Lightspeed(tm). Explore deep space in search
of a new home for humanity. Combines simulation and role-playing; you control
how much of each you want. New introductory animation, new ending, new alien
weapons, new ways to upgrade the starship, and a new way to win that wasn't
possible in Lightspeed. For IBM-PC/Tandy/compatibles. VGA,MCGA, EGA. Supports
AdLib and Roland sound.
* MicroPlay
Flames of Freedom(tm): Use covert operations to promote revolution against
the evil Saharan Empire in this role playing adventure. Rescue political
leaders, destroy convoys, sabotage power stations, ambush Imperial troops and
smuggle arms to the resistance. Interact with 4000 characters, each with an
individual and distinct personality. For Commodore Amiga.
* Other 8- and 16-bit titles are on their way
F-15 Strike Eagle
Now Available for Nintendo
F-15 Strike Eagle, the Hall of Fame game you have grown to love on your
PC, is now available for the 8-bit Nintendo machine.
We expect F-15 to revolutionize Nintendo gaming just as it did computer
entertainment. It is the first 3-D flight simulation for 8-bit consoles that
lets players decide where to fly and what targets to attack. It includes seven
missions, including scenarios in the Persian Gulf, and the plane is capable of
full rolls and loops for realistic aerial combat. See chart below.
NINTENDO FLIGHT GAME FEATURE COMPARISON
F-15
Top Stealth After Strike
Gun 2 ATF burner Eagle
Features ----- --- ------ -----
Full 3-D Roll & Loop x x
Actual 3-D Target Positions x
Variable Missile Selection x x
Controlled Takeoff & Landing x x
Air-to-Air Missile Lock x x x x
Unlimited Cannon Fire x x x x
Incoming Missile Warning x x
Surface-to-Air Missiles x x
Selectable Missions x
Variable Decoy Selection x
Navigation Over Real Maps x
Bail-Out Option x
Target Identification Screen x
Realistic Enemy Dogfighting Logi x
Real Flight Equations x
Saved Pilots for Re-Use x
Rank Awards (Pilot Career Promotions x
Decoration Awards (Medals) x
Another 8-bit for the summer...
- F-117A Stealth Fighter for the 8-bit Nintendo. Summer 1992.
Coming in the fall for the 16-bit Nintendo SuperNES(r)...
- Railroad Tycoon(tm)
- F-15 Super Strike Eagle(tm)
* * * It's history in the making, Free Darklands demo disk
Remember when flight simulators were silly, unrealistic and implausible,
barely more than kid's stuff? And remember who revolutionized them by
launching them on the road to sophistication, maturity and authenticity? It
was MicroProse, of course, and the game was F-15 Strike Eagle.
Today the situation is much the same with fantasy role-playing. Orcs and
dweebs occupy lands and situations that never did--or could--exist. And it is
MicroProse, once again, that is about to revolutionize the genre. This time
the game is Darklands, a rigorously accurate historical fantasy in the
violence and chaos of medieval Germany.
A demo is worth many thousands of words.
And we have one waiting just for you.
And if you're one of the first 100 to take advantage of this offer, you'll
also receive--absolutely free--a full-size, full-color Darklands poster.
For your copy of the MicroProse Darklands Demo, send your name and
address to:
Darklands Demo
MicroProse
180 Lakefront Drive
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Note: demo is available on 3.5" high density disk only; requires VGA and
286 processor or better. Supports Roland, Ad-Lib and Sound Blaster.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * Pick up the latest Revision * * * * * * * * * * *
Revisions are files issued to make minor changes in game design, to
support additional hardware or to correct reported bugs. For revisions we
charge only to cover our costs of disk duplication, shipping and handling,
currently $5.95.
Revisions are also available online from a variety of commercial networks
and from the in-house MicroProse BBS. (See next column.)
Current versions of recent games:
- F-117A version 3 (available online as F11703.ZIP)
- Railroad Tycoon (available online as RRTVER03.ZIP)
- Knights of the Sky version 2 (available online as KOTSV2.ZIP)
- Gunship 2000 version 6 (available online as GS2V06.ZIP). See page 7.
To learn which version of a game you have, look at the intro or credit
screen. The two digits after the decimal point are the version number. For
most MicroProse MS-DOS games you can also look at the directory on your
original floppies. The label says "Volume in drive is IŠ(game
name)A00(version)."
Please send revision orders to ATTN: Revision Orders, MicroProse Software,
180 Lakefront Drive, Hunt Valley MD 21030.
To find out what changes a revision includes, send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope (SASE) to Customer Service Revisions, MicroProse Software,
180 Lakefront Drive, Hunt Valley MD 21030. In the lower left corner of your
SASE write "Revision for (name of game + computer type)." If you want
information for more than one game, send a separate SASE for each.
F-19 to F-117A Update Offer
In the three years since we released F-19 Stealth Fighter, we've made
dramatic advances in technology. In addition, those three years--especially
the Persian Gulf war--gave us a chance to learn more about the Stealth Fighter.
That's why we developed F-117A, an update to F-19. In fact, we included
two models of the Stealth Fighter: the Lockheed version, a faithful
replication of the real thing, and a MicroProse version, which sacrifices some
stealthiness for more firepower and dogfighting ability. We've also included
new scenarios from the Persian Gulf.
Registered owners of F-19 can purchase F-117A--with a suggested retail
price of $79.95--direct from MicroProse for only $39.95.
If you are a registered owner of F-19 Stealth Fighter, just call 800
879-PLAY. If you did not register, you must mail either your Warranty Card,
UPC sticker, Proof of Purchase Sticker, manual cover or the F-19 diskettes.
If you own F-19 and bought F-117A without taking advantage of this update
offer, call for information on how you can receive a $40 credit toward your
next purchase of a MicroProse product.
Hurry! This offer expires March 31, 1992.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Online Help * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MicroProse provides Upcoming News, Latest Versions, Updates, and Technical
Support on the following Online Services.
All are staffed by Technical Representative Quentin Chaney.
- America On-Line: Keyword "MicroProse"; Address: MicroProse
- CompuServe: "Go GAMPUB." Address: MicroProse, 76004,2223
- Delphi: GameSIG. Address: MicroProse
- GEnie: Scorpia RT. Address: MicroProse
- MCI Mail. Address: MicroProse
- PC-Link: Computer Forum, Keyword "MicroProse." Address: MicroProse
- Prodigy: Computer Club "Other Games." Address: XHFK15D
- Promenade: Industry Connection, Keyword "MicroProse." Address: MicroProse
- Q-Link: Computer Forum, MicroProse Section. Address: MPSLabs
- MicroProse BBS: Dial 410 785-1841; 300/1200/2400/9600; N, 8, 1.
Co-Sysop: Jim McConkey.
- Coming soon: FidoNet
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ooops...
The package label on F-117A Stealth Fighter says a 386-16 is "required" to
run the game. The label should have stated "recommended." The game will run
fine on a 286-10.
The package label on Millennium is in error about sound support. The game
does not support Roland or Ab-Lib. It does support SoundBlaster, Covox and PC
Speaker.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Always register your games
Registered owners of MicroProse products are able to take advantage of our
update policies, special offers on demo disks and hint books, as well as
promotions and discounts. They also receive important product release
information. Always fill out and return your Warranty Registration Card.
* * * The MicroProse commitment to you * * *
Gunship 2000 revisions available
Version 6 of Gunship 2000 makes our best-selling multi-helicopter
simulation even more enjoyable. See page 6 for details on how you can obtain
the latest "tweaks."
Version 5 owners: version 6 will give you the following features and bug
fixes:
- Functionality of mast mounted sights has been greatly enhanced.
- Poor and average troops are easier to defeat.
- Time penalty has been moved out to thirty minutes.
- Other pilot communications have been expanded to three lines.
Version 3 owners: version 6 will give you the above plus:
- Adjusted minimum sighting range.
- Adjusted overlay utilization to require less memory.
- Fixed objects are potential targets.
- Added enemy ships and mission defenders.
- Flight model has added realism.
- Added no crash option to Comanche with gear retracted.
Version 1 owners: version 6 will give you the above plus:
- Mouse support.
- Enhanced friendly AI, improved ability to pickup or drop off.
- Dual joystick control option.
- Keyboard control simulating a second joystick option.
- Foot pedal and/or flight stick control option.
- Improved threat missile logic.
- Sound Blaster(r) and ATI Stereo(r) Sound Card support.
- Additional fuel.
- Exit from the map screen to any active view (F1-F9).
- Enhanced target placement on Search & Destroy missions.
- Adjusted translational lift.
To determine which version you currently have, and for other information
on revisions, see page 6.
Recent reviews of our products
Civilization(tm)
"fun, intriguing and addicting...because taking a walk through history with
this game is so addictive and so much fun, it must be on anyone's Top Ten list
of PC games for '91."
PC Games
November/December 1991
"one of those 'compulsive-addictive' games that one can easily stay up until
4:00 a.m. playing and ends up thinking about constantly when not playing...an
extremely rich and rewarding game...a new Olympian in the genre of god
games...likely to prove itself the greatest discovery in computer
entertainment since the wheel!"
Computer Gaming World
December 1991
F-117A Stealth Fighter(tm)
"MPS Labs has incorporated plenty of information, recently revealed to the
public, into the game, as well as reworking other components in the simulation
model to create an exciting aviation experience....MicroProse has again
created a game that is engrossing, challenging and educational."
Computer Gaming World
December 1991
Gunship 2000(tm)
"...the best helicopter simulator currently available."
Computer Gaming World
December 1991
"Fantastic attention to detail, superb graphics and a flight system that makes
helicopter flight very real."
Computer Game Review
December 1991
MegaTraveller 2(tm)
"a victory for role-playing gamers...a winner...rich and enjoyable...always
interesting...highly recommended."
Game Player's PC Strategy Guide
November/December 1991
"a delightful step forward in role-play games...splendidly open-ended...has
the depth of a mineshaft...there's always something to do."
PC Games
December 1991
Flames of Freedom(tm)
"the game is practically faultless...probably the most impressive leisure
software I have ever encountered."
Strategy Plus
September 1991
World Circuit: the Grand Prix Race Simulation(tm)
"Screen update is incredibly fast and silky smooth...really shines with its
multi-player null-modem link-up ability."
Computer Game Review
September 1991
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Guidelines for Submissions: Typewritten manuscripts are preferred - We may
edit for clarity and brevity; the less editing your submission requires, the
better its chances for publication - Author's name will be used in by-line -
Include address and daytime phone - All submissions become the property of
MicroProse - No manuscripts will be returned or acknowledged, unless chosen
for publication - Send to Newsletter Editor, MicroProse, 180 Lakefront Drive,
Hunt Valley, MD 21030.
MicroProse News is published quarterly by MicroProse Software. Entire contents
copyright 1992 by MicroProse Software, Inc. All rights reserved. No material
may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the
publisher. "MicroProse" and MicroProse game titles are trademarks of
MicroProse Software, Inc. Amiga is a trademark of Commodore/Amiga, Inc. Atari
and ST are trademarks of Atari Corp. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc. IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines, Inc.
Tandy is a trademark of Tandy Corp. Other trademarked product and company
names are the property of their respective trademark holders.
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